Boston’s all too brief outdoor dining season is underway…whether you’re looking for a sunny spot where you can watch the world go by, or a quiet little urban oasis in which to enjoy dinner, there’s an al fresco area to suit your mood in the BostonChefs.com Outdoor Dining Guide.
Abigail’s
Abigail’s in Kendall Square offers a fun spot to grab a flatbread and beer after work (or during lunch—they’re open all day). The building’s recessed corner provides a perfect nest for Abigail’s patio, where two-tone wooden furniture and orange umbrellas welcome guests to linger over an outdoor snack or enjoy a cocktail.
Alba
With high walls and lush greenery, Alba’s rooftop dining area makes it easy to forget that you’re dining in the middle of Quincy Center. It’s a perfect location for eating a steak under the stars or enjoying the game with a cold drink and some fresh air.
Amelia's Trattoria
Amelia’s Trattoria, just outside Kendall Square, offers folks at nearby MIT and the biotech firms a perfect spot to get some fresh air and recharge over lunch or dinner en plein air. The petit sidewalk patio is lined with flowering plants and shrubs, and covered by shade-casting umbrellas.
Aquitaine Dedham
With a little more room to spread out – one of the perks of their suburban location – Aquitaine Dedham at Legacy Place is the only of the three Aquitaine locations to boast outdoor seating. Enjoy classic French fare en plein air.
Area Four
Looking out over the green at Technology Square, Area Four’s sidewalk patio is a perfect perch for an outdoor meal. Snag one of the wrought iron tables for breakfast, lunch or dinner and enjoy chef-owner Michael Leviton's menu of small plates, sandwiches or breakfast pastries with a cup of coffee.
Area Four Boston
Area Four Boston brings their signature fare, cooked in and over open flames, to the great outdoors. Swing by their South End patio to enjoy a pizza pie, or one of their coveted meat or fish entrees, while basking in the evening sun.
ArtBar
ArtBar, the Royal Sonesta’s signature restaurant, may be one of the city’s best kept al fresco secrets. The riverside patio, practically on the banks of the Charles, offers shaded tables where diners can escape the summer sun, and spectacular views of the twinkling Boston skyline after the sun goes down.
Ashmont Grill
Warmed by powerful heat lamps and a central fire pit, Dorchester diners can sit outside from mid-spring well into October at Ashmont Grill. Chef-owner Chris Douglass, also of Tavolo, serves up delicious, fresh-from-the-farm comfort food at neighborhood joint prices.
11 Fan Pier Boulevard
Boston, MA 02210
617-421-4466
Babbo Pizzeria e Enoteca
Enjoy pizza (or pasta or whatever your hungry little heart desires) on the patio Babbo Pizzeria e Enoteca. The Boston outpost of Mario Batali’s constantly-expanding empire is situated right on Fan Pier so you can enjoy the salt air with your salumi (or your sorbetto).
25 Edwin H Land Boulevard
Cambridge, MA 02141
617-868-4444
Bambara Restaurant
It seems appropriate, given their environmentally friendly leanings, that Bambara at the Hotel Marlowe should carve out a little green space for itself. The petite, plant-lined patio is just a stone's throw from the banks of the Charles, and an awfully nice spot for a tired shopper or traveler to have a bite to eat and enjoy some fresh air.
B&G Oysters
In the summer months, oyster lovers and seafood fans spill out onto the picturesque little patio at B&G Oysters. Fresh seafood tastes best outside, so seats on the shaded, just-below-grade terrace fill up quickly.
Banyan Bar + Refuge
Take refuge on Banyan's outdoor dining area. Their shaded patio on the corner of Clarendon and Tremont Streets is an ideal South End spot for brunching or dinnering, depending on your mood and your meal period.
Bar Boulud
Bar Boulud’s sidewalk patio offers an inviting perch from which to take in the action on Boylston Street over classic and contemporary French fare from Daniel Boulud’s award-winning team. In the shadow of the Mandarin Oriental, it’s a great spot for petit-déjeuner, déjeuner or dîner.
Bar Mezzana
Satisfy your craving for a coastal Italian vacay right in the South End on Bar Mezzana’s sidewalk patio. Blue skies and bright umbrellas will have to stand in for towering cliffs and water views but Colin Lynch's deceptively simple regional cuisine (try the crudo) will transport you.
Beat Brasserie
Beat Brasserie’s patio, located in the heart of Harvard Square, offers a high-energy space to dine amidst shoppers shopping, Ivy Leaguers off to class, or film buffs rushing to the Brattle. Stick around through the afternoon and enjoy some wine on tap and people watching, then head inside for live music at night.
The Beehive
The Beehive brings its own unique take on outdoor dining to the South End with their bricked, 80-seat, Tremont Street patio. An extension of their regular dining area, the al fresco alternative offers the same menu as the dining room, which can be paired with signature specialty cocktails from The Beehive's master mixologists.
Benedetto
Benedetto offers a rare opportunity to dine al fresco rain or shine. The Italian eatery's outdoor space, which overlooks Harvard Square, is well equipped with heaters and covers to shield patio dwellers from the elements (if need be). The patio is equal parts charming and romantic, with twinkling lights and winding greenery, it feels like a little slice of Italy right in Cambridge.
Bistro du Midi
Bask in the glory of summer on Bistro du Midi’s sidewalk patio. The coveted tables on the intimate patio can be hard to come by but diners lucky enough to secure one will enjoy an expertly prepared meal of exquisite French fare looking out over the picturesque and historic Public Garden.
Bistro Duet
Bistro Duet's new European-style sidewalk cafe provides a comfy place to sit back, relax and observe Capitol Square. The cozy spot is ideal for sipping cocktails and enjoying fabulous French fare on warm sunny days or breezy summer evenings.
Blu Restaurant
Diners at Blu’s rooftop patio can enjoy urban outdoor dining in all its glory. Perched on the fourth floor at the Ritz Carlton in Downtown Crossing, the modern, metropolitan space is a perfect match for the luxurious menu.
BOKX 109 American Prime
BOKX 109 American Prime located in Newton’s Hotel Indigo boasts one of Greater Boston’s most stylish patios, with an outdoor bar, fire pits for cool evenings and a pool for hot afternoons. Technically there’s no dining on the patio unless you’ve rented one of the fabulous cabanas, which come equipped with individual flat screen plasma TVs, a waiter, and a special poolside menu for both cuisine and cocktails.
Bond Restaurant | Lounge
Take in the twinkling city skyline (as well as some delicious snacks and some signature cocktails designed for al fresco imbibing) from the heart of the Financial District on the BOND terrace. Seats on the terrace, which overlook the beautifully quaint Norman Leventhal Park, are available Thursday through Saturday on a first come, first served basis, weather permitting.
Bostonia Public House
Champions of industry, ladies who lunch and tourists all vie for spots on Bostonia Public House's sidewalk patio. Tucked right in the heart of the bustling Financial District, it's well-suited for an occasion - snacking on after-work apps or sipping one of their 70 premium wines.
The Brahmin
The Brahmin, which sits right on the edge of Back Bay and the South End, blends dining and lounging on its dual purpose patio. Diners and drinkers can choose between tables or comfortable couches, to suit the occasion and company.
Branch Line
Branch Line brings the fun outdoors with an expansive patio for enjoying the warm weather in Waterown. The bar and restaurant boasts plenty of outdoor seating to satiate the masses, plus a Bocce court and garden to supplement the eats.
Brasserie Jo - Boston
Get a little fresh air with your steak frites (or your charcuterie or duck confit or any other classic French dish). Brasserie Jo brings the flavors of Paris to the Back Bay and right out onto Huntington Avenue with the seasonal opening of their cozy sidewalk café.
Bravo
Located on the second floor of the Museum of Fine Art, Bravo’s covered patio provides a pleasantly shaded place to rest and refuel between wandering the wings of the Art of Europe and the Art of the Ancient World.
BRINE
When the weather warms, diminutive Newburyport restaurant, Brine, adds a few more seats out on the bricked sidewalk out front so diners can enjoy oysters, crudo and chops (their trio of specialties) while they get some fresh air.
Bronwyn
Bronwyn creates the vibe of a classic biergarten right in the center of Union Square. The rustic décor, which includes driftwood tables made by chef-owner Tim Wiechmann, combines with tantalizing aromas from the custom pit smoker to create the perfect setting in which to enjoy a stein of beer and a schnitzel.
Burro Bar
Burro Bar is improving their patio, right in Washington Square, just in time for the warm weather. It only seems appropriate that their Mexican and South American-inspired cuisine is enjoyed out in the sunshine and guests can chill out with a cocktail from their spirit menu, which offers over 100 different bottles of tequila.
Buttermilk & Bourbon
Back Bay's New Orleans-inspired Buttermilk & Bourbon gets outdoorsy during Boston's warmer months. Tucked below street level, their patio provides the best of both worlds, offering a cozy spot to cool off in the shade on hot summer days, or to warm up by fire pits on chilly nights.
Cafe ArtScience
Not to be contained, Café ArtScience’s creative fusion overflows onto the Cambridge restaurant’s patio during the warm summer months. Snag one of the first-come, first-served tables to enjoy an inhalable cocktail from co-founder Todd Maul or exquisite bites from the kitchen.
Carmelina's
Carmelina's, right on Hanover Street in the North End, provides an excellent spot to embrace the lovely weather while dining on traditional Sicilian comfort food. While they technically don't have outdoor tables, their front wall retracts for open-air dining, offering guests a bit of shelter with their fresh air.
Catalyst
Cambridge diners can get a head start on outdoor dining at Catalyst, where the beautifully landscaped patio is covered and heated. Fans of al fresco eats can enjoy dinner, lunch or weekend brunch overlooking the greenery of Technology Square well into the fall.
Ceia
Newburyport diners in search of al fresco eats, look no further than Ceia. The flagship restaurant in the Caswell Restaurant Group has doubled down on their outdoor dining with sidewalk seating that starts in front and wraps down the side.
Chiara
Chiara’s backwoods-y patio vibe offers a charmingly New England foil to its Mediterranean cuisine. Pair some Old World wine with New World foliage—whether in the full green of July or the changing colors of September.
1 Burlington Mall Road
Burlington, MA 01803
781-221-6643
Chopps American Bar and Grill
The expansive outdoor space at Chopps has traditional dining areas and comfortable lounge seating that can accommodate everything from intimate dinners to casual group gatherings. Head for Burlington next time the forecast’s clear to take in the views of lush greenery as you enjoy creative drinks, fresh seasonal dishes and live music.
Cinquecento
Cinquecento offers South Enders a unique al fresco experience. The restaurant’s patio is located on the back end of the building, offering 60 seats tucked into an urban courtyard in shadow of a gigantic wagon wheel. It’s an ideal spot for someone looking to slip away from the commotion of busy city streets and into a more serene milieu – and for fans of wagon wheels.
Citizen
Whether the Sox are in town or on the road, the outdoor dining area at Citizen is one of the Fenway’s best spots for an al fresco bite to eat. The sidewalk patio provides an out-of-the-way spot from which to enjoy the bustle of Boylston Street and – on a good night – cheers from the ballpark, which is just a couple blocks away.
Comedor
Comedor brings its fun, casual and cool atmosphere to their quaint outdoor patio, featuring a fantastic view of Newton Center. Patio goers can people watch and sit in the sun, all while nibbling on small plates of creative Chilean soul food and fresh American fare. The patio is seated on a first-come-first-serve basis, so be sure to arrive early to secure a spot.
11 Broad Canal Way
Cambridge, MA 02142
617-945-7030
Commonwealth Restaurant & Market
Food is served all day long on Commonwealth’s expansive 170-seat al fresco dining area, which sits at the head of the Broad Canal and offers lovely water views (and the temptation of kayak rentals). Snag a table or grab a drink from the bar, by which we mean the vintage Dodge 1960 D100 pickup truck where they'll be slinging drinks all summer long.
Coppa
The 24-seat sidewalk patio at Coppa practically doubles the restaurant’s seating capacity – which might make it a touch easier to get a table. Score one and you can spend the afternoon or evening – whichever you prefer – snacking on Italian small plates, handmade pastas, charcuterie and wood-oven pizzas.
Coppersmith
South Boston's Coppersmith has patio AND roofdeck seating for diners in search of fresh air. The 60-seat ground level patio and 80-seat roofdeck (dubbed "The AirDeck at Coppersmith") are a got-to summer destination for rooftop bar specials (from inside a rehabbed Airstream trailor) and the occasional clam bake or pig roast.
Da Vinci
Nestled between the South End and the Back Bay just shy of the Theater District, Da Vinci's elevated, plant-lined patio offers an ideal spot from which to enjoy chef Peppino Singh's artfully presented Italian fare.
dante
The spacious outdoor dining area at dante affords some of the most spectacular views of the Charles River and of the Boston skyline. The fun, flirty atmosphere is the perfect perch for a riverside cocktail and a bite to eat.
Davio's - Foxborough
If you prefer rib eyes and Barolo over hotdogs and lager, skip the tailgating, leave your grill at home and eat on the Davio’s patio in Patriot Place before walking over to Gillette Stadium for the game – or any time, for that matter.
Davio's - Lynnfield
This al fresco dining option provides more casual version of the indoor dining experience. The tables are a little smaller and there are no white tablecloths – but diners can expect the same level of food and service no matter where they sit in the North Shore location.
Doretta Taverna & Raw Bar
Park Square may seem a far cry from Santorini but secure yourself a table for two on the bricked terrace at DorettaTaverna& Raw Bar and you’ll be transported. Chef-owner Michael Schlow’s locally-sourced, Greek-inspired menu will just about have you convinced you’re on an island in the middle of the Mediterranean.
Eastern Standard
Enjoy the hustle and bustle of Kenmore Square from Eastern Standard’s covered patio. High powered heat lamps keep it toasty warm as early as April and up through October so it’s always a great pre- or post-Fenway pit stop – whether you’re celebrating a victory or drowning your Red Sox sorrows.
EVOO
Chef-owner Peter McCarthy’s farm-to-table menu tastes even better when enjoyed out-of-doors on Evoo’s patio, which they share with sister restaurant and next door neighbor, Za. Snag a spot in the shade during daylight hours or relax at one of the stylish wrought iron tables after the sun sets.
Fairsted Kitchen
Repurposed wooden church pews line the perimeter of this sidewalk patio on Beacon Street in Brookline. Located right on the Green Line, and just a few miles from Fenway, this is the perfect spot for dinner before or after the game without dealing with the rowdy Kenmore crowds.
Flank
Settle in at Flank for the warm weather season. The Waltham steakhouse boasts a spacious and shaded patio with understated, clean decor, and views of the surrounding neighborhood. It also boasts a glowing firepit and built in heat lamps so you can extend the alfresco season on either side.
Frogmore
The Frogmore sits right in the bustling, well, center of Jamaica Plain's Centre Street and features an open, street-view patio. You can enjoy their rustic, lowcountry vibes, home style cooking and southern hospitality, right in the heart of the city.
Stroll down to the South End to grab a bite to eat on Gaslight’s plant-lined, bricked patio. At brunch you can catch some sun or cool off in the shade under big umbrellas. During dinner hours they’ll fire up the heat lamps to chase away the chill, so patio season can continue even after the weather starts to cool.
Gaslight - Lynnfield
What happens you bring a beloved South End go-to like Gaslight out to the suburbs? Fire pits. The Lynnfied outpost of the Aquitaine Group’s popular concept includes an outdoor dining area and lounge with a full bar and a fire pit for marshmallow roasting on toasty summer evenings.
1230 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138
617-497-0400
Grafton Street Pub and Grill
If you like to pair your food with great people watching, the patio at Grafton Street will suit your purposes perfectly. Over carefully-crafted comfort food, you can watch the comings and goings along Harvard Square's busy section of Massachusetts Avenue.
Great Road Kitchen
Great Road Kitchen brings all the comforts of home right out on to their outdoor dining area: there’s plenty of food and drink, a fully-stocked bar, a big screen TV and even a roaring fire for those chilly nights in May and September (or even October).
Harvest
Harvest’s tucked away patio is like an urban garden right in the center of Harvard Square. Lush green trees and full umbrellas offer plenty of shade for al fresco lunching and powerful heat lamps will chase away the chill of an unexpectedly cool summer evening.
The Hawthorne
Enjoy upscale finger foods and craft cocktails on The Hawthorne’s outdoor dining area. Lined with cozy sofas and low coffee tables, the petit flagstone patio, nestled in Kenmore Square’s one quiet corner, is an ideal perch from which to watch all the comings and goings.
Henrietta's Table
Overlooking the plaza at the Charles Hotel, the spacious, pooch-friendly outdoor dining area at Henrietta’s Table is just removed enough from bustling Harvard Square to be a quiet, relaxing spot to enjoy farm fresh honest-to-goodness home cooking.
Hojoko
Hojoko extends their coloful and quirky world to the outdoors with their poolside patio. Outside seating keeps the electic atmosphere alive—and the wooden tables seat a group for funky Japanese food and drink.
The Hourly Oyster House
A few doors down from The Hourly Oyster House's mainstay, al fresco diners rejoice in their surprisingly located, quaint brick patio. The Harvard Square's cozy outdoor space is lined with glistening overhead lights, offering an inviting space for intimate gatherings.
1727 Massachusetts Avenue
Lexington, MA 02420
781-538-5846
Il Casale Lexington
Relax in Lexington with a dose of fresh air—Il Casale has streetside dining in the heart of downtown, set back just far enough for a cozy outdoors meal.
Il Casale Belmont
Take a trip beyond the city limits for al fresco Italian on Il Casale’s eight-table patio. Floral installments add a splash of color to the converted firehouse’s brick and glass façade. You can enjoy watching shoppers bustle down this quaint little stretch while sharing a salumi plate or a family-style dinner for the whole crew.
La Brasa
La Brasa’s patio takes all the tastiness of what’s inside and presents it in a more understated (but still hip) outdoor setting. Reclaimed wood pallets fence the runway-style patio, where diners can relax in wicker chairs and enjoy small plates or share something heartier. (Whole roasted chicken, anyone?)
505 Congress Street
Boston, MA 02210
617-737-2272
La Casa de Pedro Seaport
The busy Seaport meets relaxed Latin America on La Casa de Pedro's lively outdoor patio. Their beverage program includes all the essentials for beating the summer heat, with cocktails inclusive of fresh fruit, herbs and purees, and it only seems fitting to enjoy their authentic cuisine outside during Boston's sunny season.
1357 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02118
617-338-5300
La Motta's
The Aquitaine Group's La Motta’s Italian Specialties brings a little bit of Italian culture to the South End with its picturesque patio. Tucked away behind the restaurant in a rustic walkway and surrounded by brick buildings, the 30-seat space recreates the ambiance of a Venetian hideaway.
L'Andana
During the warmer months, L’Andana offers al fresco dining on its intimate (sixteen-seat) oasis of a patio, where guests can enjoy their meal surrounded by lemon trees and fresh herbs.
Loyal Nine
Loyal Nine's pooch-friendly patio, which they made themselves with a little help from Jason Hoynash at Blue Barn, is open all day long and well into the evening. Enjoy baked goods, coffee and sandwiches by day and dinner by twinkling garden light; beer and wine available throughout (with Bloody Marys on the weekend). There's even cornhole should the mood strike.
Mamaleh's
Step outside and pull up a seat at beloved Kendall Square delicatessen, Mamaleh's. Guests can soak up the sun on the patio while enjoying deli classics like bagels, breads, meats, cured fish, pickles, pastries and more.
Marliave
Make the most of the summer months on Marliave’s outdoor patio. The cozy, flower-lined patio, tucked away at the end of Bosworth Street, is shielded from the midday sun by umbrellas and aglow with twinkling city lights in the evening – you’ll forget you’re in the heart of the city.
Masa
Masa’s intimate sidewalk patio offers South End dwellers and visitors a perfect little perch for outdoor dining. Choose from among a handful of candlelit two tops and tuck into sophisticated southwestern-inspired fare from chef-owner Philip Aviles.
Menotomy Grill
Lined with Christmas light-strewn trees, Menotomy’s patio is shady during the day and aglow during the evening hours. With a cozy corner lounge as well as wrought iron tables for more formal configurations, it can easily accommodate groups of any size for just about any occasion.
Met Back Bay
See and be seen this summer on the Met Back Bay’s patio, where diners can enjoy classic American dishes with a contemporary twist. Tucked below street level, the brick patio allows for a spacious spot (by 1877 standards) to dine while watching the activity on Newbury Street.
MIDA
Make the most of the season on the sidewalk patio at MIDA at the bustling corner of Tremont St. and Mass Ave in the South End. Douglass Williams' menu features specialties like arancini, porchetta and housemade pastas so you can mangia on the sun-baked bricks and pretend you’re on a piazza in Italia.
Miel Brasserie Provencale
Whether you’re looking for a shady spot or to catch some sun on your lunch break, the Fort Point Channel-facing terrace at Miel Brasserie Provencal will suit your purposes. With water views and lush foliage, it’s an idyllic spot to find a little bit of nature within an easy walk of the Financial District.
Moonshine 152
Outdoor dining spots in South Boston are few and far between, which makes the patio at Moonshine 152 feel like quite a find. You can take in all the comings and goings from the enclosed terrace while you enjoy chef Asia Mei's inventive menu surrounded by planters full of herbs.
Myers + Chang
Given that the menu at Myers + Chang is inspired by the street foods of Southeast Asia, it seems only appropriate to enjoy your meal outside. Secure one of the tables on the petit patio overlooking the action at Peters Park.
Naco Taco
Inspired by the style of food parks in Austin, TX and Portland, OR, Naco Taco features a 90-seat, three-season patio, lined by large concrete planters, and aglow with decorative string lights. During the warmer months it’s an urban oasis, drawing lovers of food and drink to Mass Ave (just outside Central Square) like moths to the flame.
NEBO
Whether you're seeking respite from a busy day the bustling Financial District or walking from the waterfront, NEBO's sidewalk patio offers a lovely perch from which to take in the greenery on the Rose Kennedy Greenway - paired with a bottle of wine and authentic Italian fare, of course.
28 Main Street
Hudson, MA 01749
978-333-7144
New City Microcreamery
Take your cone (or cup, as the case may be) out onto the sidewalk patio at New City Microcreamery. The sleek perch is flanked by wooden planters bursting with summer blooms and, best of all, it’s covered so you can linger outside whether you’re cooling down with your favorite naturally-made flavor or enjoying a rainy day treat.
Novara
Novara provides a suburban al fresco oasis—head to Milton to take your meal to a table outside at the restaurant’s well-equipped patio (complete with fire pits for chilly nights).
Oak Long Bar
Nestled in the heart of Copley Square is Oak Long Bar and their perfectly situated—and stylish— patio. Snag a table under the red umbrellas for a lunchtime meetup or a refreshing cocktail break from shopping downtown.
Oleana
Come warm weather, award-winning chef Ana Sortun serves her accolade-grabbing fare in one of Cambridge’s most beloved outdoor dining spaces. Oleana's lush, flower-filled patio is set back from busy Hampshire Street for a peaceful and relaxing al fresco experience.
Osteria Posto
Take in the weather in Waltham—the three-season patio at Osteria Posto offers plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy the scenery with tasty plates and glasses to match.
The Lookout
The Envoy Hotel boasts one of the city's best rooftop bars with masterfully made drinks, cozy couches and community spaces, enhanced by spectacular views of the sparkling cityscape and Boston Harbor.
Pagu
Beloved Japanese tapas restaurant, Pagu, expands its service outdoors come summertime. Whether you're on a lunch break or winding down on a day off, the Cambridge bistro provides an excellent place to take in some fresh air and tasty fare.
59 John F. Kennedy Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
617-491-9851
Park Restaurant and Bar
Nestled below street level in the heart of Harvard Square, Park’s quaint, brick-lined patio features a handful of high tops where lucky diners can feast on playful New American dishes sheltered from the elements but not too far from the lively goings-on in the square.
Parsnip
Parnsip's 22-seat terrace, on pedestrian-friendly Winthrop Street, gives fans of al fresco dining another option right in the heart of Harvard Square. Cross your fingers for clear skies and spend the evening people watching while you dine.
45 Chapel Street
Needham, MA 02492
781-559-0532
Petit Robert Bistro - Needham
You may not be able to see the Eiffel Tower from the patio at Petit Robert Bistro Needham, but enjoy authentic French fare at one of the wrought iron tables and you’ll feel just like you’re in the City of Light.
Pier 6
Eating outdoors at Pier 6 is a cinch since, technically speaking, more of the restaurant is located outside than in. The first floor of the waterfront restaurant is all-patio with a canopied bar; the second floor dining room has open-air drink rails and floor to ceiling windows; and the tables on the rooftop deck offer arguably the best views of the city.
Porto
Dine out at Porto’s brightly-lit patio right in the Back Bay. The Mediterranean restaurant’s cloud-white loungers combined with wooden fixtures create a classy yet relaxed atmosphere for enjoying fresh crudo and chilled cocktails.
Precinct
You don’t have to be a guest at the Loews Hotel to enjoy this unique outdoor dining experience. Located in the heart of the Back Bay and just below street level, this fully furnished patio offers both a dining and a lounge option making it a great spot for any occasion from after work drinks with a gaggle or an al fresco dinner for two.
The Quarry
The Quarry's al fresco space overlooks, well, an actual quarry. The stone-built restaurant boasts a rustic charm that adds to the relaxing and welcoming ambiance. Settle in outdoors for fine dining (and the comforting sounds of nature).
Red Lion Inn
Open for lunch and dinner, the Red Lion Inn’s lush garden patio, also known as The Courtyard, is a picturesque alcove tucked behind the Essex inn. It offers a streamlined menu for guests to enjoy at umbrella-topped tables or at the Back of the Bank, as the intimate outdoor bar is known.
Ristorante Fiore
Close your eyes and image you're having a long, late lunch in Italy on Ristorante Fiore's patio or roof deck - two of the North End's few al fresco dining spots. Add a glass or two of house-red (which rivals top shelf anywhere else) and a little something to eat to get into a Southern Italian state of mind.
381 Summer St
Somerville, MA 02144
617-629-9500
Rosebud
Somerville joint, Rosebud, brings their down-to-earth comfort food outside in honor of summer. Tucked behind the dining car anterior, their alley-style patio provides a bit of privacy while maintaining a charming urban flair.
Row 34
With iron beams and a corrugated roof, Row 34’s Fort Point patio provides shade on sunny days and protection from the elements on the gloomier ones, allowing for maximal al fresco oyster enjoyment no matter the weather.
Rowes Wharf Sea Grille
Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch or dinner, pop down to the Boston Harbor Hotel to enjoy your meal accompanied by a refreshing ocean breeze. The Rowes Wharf Sea Grille has plenty of patio seating overlooking the harbor so you can enjoy seaside dining in the heart of the city.
Russell House Tavern
Even when the students are off for the summer – Harvard Square is humming. Lucky diners looking for a restful respite from the commotion can snag one of the tables on Russell House Tavern’s bricked patio – just off the well-traveled thoroughfare that is JFK Street – to enjoy a dinner at one of a handful of wrought iron tables.
The Salty Pig
Centrally located between the Back Bay and South End neighborhoods, the Salty Pig’s patio offers a comfy reprieve from a day out shopping or soaking up the historic sights of Boston. Diners can enjoy rustic Italian fare including platters of house-made charcuterie while lounging on cushion-lined wrought iron chairs.
Sapore
Located in the Seaport District, Sapore's patio is strategically situated for soaking up sea breezes. It might not be the Mediterranean, but you can take in the sights and sounds of Boston Harbor while dining on the restaurant's Italian fare.
Scampo
By the time summer rolls around, Bostonians have earned a little time off for good behavior – which they can spend in the yard at Scampo. At spacious, umbrella topped tables, diners can stretch out and enjoy the fresh air over dishes of Lydia’s Shire’s whimsical fare.
Scarlet Oak Tavern
Enjoy drinks outside or live music under the stars on the Scarlet Oak’s patio in Hingham. You can enjoy a menu designed for al fresco eating at tables and comfy sofas set up among garden beds where they’re growing produce to be used in the kitchen.
The Sinclair
Lined with cool, modern, wooden benches and planters filled with beach-y plantings, the patio at The Sinclair is a perfect pre-show perch on which to enjoy a drink or dinner. Umbrella-topped tables, illuminated by festive strings of lights can accommodate larger groups while smaller wrought iron two-tops are ideal for more intimate gatherings.
The Smoke Shop
What’s better than BBQ outdoors? The Smoke Shop’s patio at One Kendall Square offers a spacious spot to dig in (with abandon) to chef Andy Husbands’ award-winning Southern dishes and snag a little sunshine at the same time.
Society on High
Rub elbows with captains of industry at this Financial District gem. Society on High boasts one of the neighborhood’s few patios so the plant-lined terrace is often packed with power lunchers or after work diners fueling up for a night out on the town.
Sofra Bakery
Sofra actually means picnic in Turkish, so it's no surprise that the Cambridge bakery and cafe boasts a sunny little patio. No need to bring your picnic blanket though, just pop in for breakfast pastries or midday meze at one of the al fresco two-tops for a mini day trip to the Middle East.
Sonsie
While technically not a patio, Sonsie’s floor-to-ceiling windows, which open up onto Newbury Street, offer the best of both worlds – plenty of fresh air and shelter from the elements. They’re also one of the best people-watching perches in the city.
Sora
Sora's patio at The DoubleTree in Bedford offers a quiet respite for a relaxing meal. Step through the gazebo and the stone wall opens into a spacious and casual dining area with greenery to go around.
South End Buttery
Follow the red brick sidewalk along Union Park until you find this cozy café patio. Whether you’re waking up your brain with a morning espresso or braving a dinner date, you’re sure to make room in your heart for this place. Canine companions are encouraged here, so you can bring your little dog too.
SRV
SRV offers guests a secluded and serene courtyard space located in the rear of the restaurant. With a capacity of 40, the outdoor dining space at the Venetian-inspired bacaro and wine bar features a wooden deck surrounded by ivy covered brick walls.
State Park
State Park offer fans of al fresco dining two different options: the lower-level, where the divey vibe of the of the Southern-inspired eatery extends to a handful a picnic tables; or upstairs where the summer chillin’ overflows onto the bricked plaza at One Kendall Square.
State Street Provisions
Situated a stone's throw from the harbor and within easy walking distance of the Rose Kennedy Greenway and Christopher Columbus Park, the shaded patio at State Street Provisions is an ideal al fresco option for diners in search of a little salt air without leaving the confines of the city.
Steel & Rye
Steel & Rye’s industrial chic vibe (the space was once a garage, after all) extends out of doors onto their enclosed patio. Park yourself at one of the wooden two tops to watch the High Speed Trolley trundle by and to enjoy a little fresh air while you eat.
Sulmona
Sulmona brings its central Italian cuisine out-of-doors for the summer. Snag a seat on the their sidewalk patio, right on Main Street between Kendall and Central Squares, to enjoy chef Delio Susi's culinary handiwork while you relax under the Cantabrigian sun.
Sweet Cheeks Q
Some purists might say that barbecue is best enjoyed out of doors – luckily, Sweet Cheeks Q in the Fenway has not one but two outdoor dining areas in which to enjoy authentic Texas ‘cue. There’s the Boylston St. patio lined with picnic tables, and the adjacent Beer Garden with whiskey barrel tables, a retractable roof and a rotating selection of beers on tap.
2447 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02140
617-871-9468
The Table at Season to Taste
Having trouble getting a reservation at The Table? The Table at Season to Taste has added an al fresco option, with an eight seat outdoor patio where guests enjoy à la carte menu items as well as small plates from the standing bar's snack menu. Seats are available to walk-ins only on a first-come, first-served basis so take your chances and swing by on an upcoming summer evening..
TAMO Bistro & Bar
The terrace at TAMO Bistro & Bar, located in the Seaport Hotel, offers a lovely little oasis in one of the busiest Boston neighborhoods. Sit back with a cocktail and a bite to eat while you watch sailboats cruise in and out of the harbor or take in the sights of the Seaport.
Tapestry
Take yourself out to Tapestry, literally, and snag a table on their sleek patio space. You can stretch your legs at the roomy outside locale and (rather than baseballs) catch a city breeze in the Fenway area.
Temazcal
A newcomer to the expanding Seaport District, Temazcal makes the most of its harborside perch with floor-to-ceiling-windows and prime patio seating right on the Harborwalk’s wooden boardwalk overlooking the water. An overhang offers shelter from the sun without impeding the view.
Temple Bar
Located between Harvard and Porter Squares on Massachusetts Avenue, Temple Bar draws a lively crowd of young professionals and grad students. In the summer months all that youthful exuberance spills out onto the patio where a collection of tables offer a relaxing spot to enjoy the sophisticated bistro menu and specialty cocktails.
Tico
Munch on fish tacos and ceviche from one of Boston’s brightest culinary stars at Tico, Michael Schlow’s swanky Back Bay eatery. On the sidewalk patio, which runs along St. James Street, shadow-casting umbrellas provide relief from the summer sun while an outdoor fireplace casts off heat on cooler evenings.
Toro
During the summer months, the flavors of Spain spill out onto Washington Street with the seasonal opening of Toro's sidewalk seating area. Sit back and relax with a glass of cava and an assortment of small plates from chef and restaurateur Ken Oringer who brings his own take on traditional tapas to the South End.
Townsman
A meal at Townsman is tasty no matter where you sit, but if you’re craving sunlight and a soft breeze without prying eyes, try the patio. Patrons enjoy all the advantages of open-air dining while lush greenery shield them from the chaotic to-and-fro of city life. If you’re craving more nature after the meal, you can always go for a postprandial stroll along the Greenway.
Trade
After a trip to the New England Aquarium or a tour through Faneuil Hall, take a load off and hang out at Trade. Located in the heart of the city, the restaurant’s large sidewalk patio sports a nice view of the Rose Kennedy Greenway and is a great place to rest your legs before heading over to the Tea Party or the Children’s Museums.
Tremont 647
The pooch-friendly patio at Tremont 647 is the see and be seen spot for South Enders and their pups. Snag an umbrella-shaded table at this neighborhood favorite to enjoy chef owner Andy Husbands’ soulful and sophisticated comfort food.
Tres Gatos
Nestled into a shady corner of JP’s Center Street, Tres Gatos’ garden patio has a homespun feel. Recessed from the sidewalk and enclosed by a brown picket fence, the patio provides welcome distance from the hustle and traffic of the thoroughfare.
Tresca
Tresca’s second floor outdoor dining area features one single, romantic table for two. An ideal spot for anniversaries, birthdays or if you’re trying to impress someone new in your life, the table is in high demand so some long term planning (and a little luck, weather-wise) is definitely in order.
Urban Hearth
When summer arrives, Cambridge's Urban Hearth brings their seating outside. Their cozy sidewalk patio offers the perfect place to perch while enjoying anything from an iced coffee to a fresh, flavorful lunch.
Woods Hill Table
Make like a modern day Thoreau and enjoy the great outdoors from the comfort of the cozy little patio at Woods Hill Table. You can commune with nature with a cocktail in hand and a plate of oysters in front of you at the farm-to-table Concord restaurant – no cottage in the woods required.
